Bnei Akiva Sydney is Sydney's largest Jewish Zionist youth group. Our ideology emphasises the dual concepts of Torah and Avoda, that is, living modern lives through and enriched by halacha and Torah thought. We define ourselves as Religious Zionists and believe the modern state of Israel is the Reshit Smichat Geulateinu.

Our Mission

Bnei Akiva is run by volunteers between the ages of 18 and 22 as well as junior leaders in Year 11. Bnei runs weekly meetings, beit midrash, minyanim, regular functions as well as 3 camps annually. In July Bnei runs a Winter camp for all grades. In summer there are separate camps for Juniors (Years 2-6) and an interstate Federal Camp for years 7-11.

‘Bnei Akiva’ means ‘the children of Akiva’, and our ideology relates directly to the story of Rabbi Akiva. At the age of 40, after growing up tending flock, he decided that he needed to find out the essence of the Jewish faith. He reasoned that just as something as soft as water can penetrate a solid rock and cause it to erode, so too can the Torah penetrate into himself.

We endeavour to follow Rabbi Akiva’s qualities, namely his love of Hashem, his devotion to the Torah, his love of Israel and the fight for its independence, and respect for work.

Bnei Akiva Sydney has done so much for the community and has had a massive impact on my life.